Memory impairment is common in older adults. Although a certain degree of memory loss is natural, extensive cognitive impairment which adversely affects the daily life should be given special care. Memory loss is mostly associated with a decline in other mental functions such as cognition. This situation is termed ‘dementia’. The most common cause of dementia is the formation Alzheimer’s disease.
Several common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorders.
- There is an inability or weakness in remembering new information, difficulty coping with daily tasks, misplacing personal belongings, and even becoming lost taking familiar routes.
- There is impairment in reasoning, decision-making, and complex tasking. Individuals may be unable to interpret complex or even simple information and find it difficult to manage finances and daily tasks such as bathing and dressing.
- Individuals may be unable to recognize familiar faces. Speech changes, mood shifts, aggression, stress, depression, and social withdrawal are other unfortunate symptoms.
There is no permanent or completely effective treatment for age-associated memory loss, but the disease progression can be slowed if memory and cognitive functions are increased on a daily basis, so special activities are helpful and recommended.
Assisted living programs with memory care are equipped with well-trained caregivers who can recognize theese symptoms and act appropriately. They exhibit a great degree of patience when dealing with these residents, and they practice an empathetic to providing care to residents experiencing memory loss.
Depression is a common condition in residents with memory loss. In these situations, the staff acts with compassion to improve the mood and mental state of these individuals.
Activities such as cook-outs, barbecues, organizing simple concerts, listening to music, going on picnics, exploring new restaurants, fitness activities such as yoga, movie nights, field trips, karaoke singing, and organizing games; all of these activities will increase social support and help to improve the moods of memory loss residents, often helping to delay or inhibit further impairment of memory and cognition.
Assisted living and memory care staff provide care with empathy while ensuring the respect and dignity of each resident, gently maintaining a balance between hands on care for the individual and independence of the individual.
